Which 100 Series or Lexus to buy? (FJ40 owner:)

[General Automag]

We're in the market for a new (to us) vehicle, and I'd like your opinions as to what 100 Series Land Cruiser or Lexus 470 model(s) you would buy, or said another way, which model(s) would you pass on.

We are old school and love our FJ40, which we plan to keep. Other than reading the FAQs from a few sites,
1) I've seen a few busted front CV joints on the trail
2) The guys at our local Land Cruiser shop say that the V-8 engines are almost bulletproof
3) I hear if the NAV system/radio goes out your screwed, and
4) I hear that the Lexus models are REALLY nice.

I'd like to run at least 33" tires, up the suspension 2-3", install a roof rack, and at least have some type of locker or limited slip in the rear. We like to drive off road and camp as a family. I don't think I'll be taking a 100 series on the same trails as we take our FJ40. Driving the '40 8-12 hours away for the Cruiser events is, well, driving a '40 for 8-12 hours... Thanks much!

 

[Mixelplix]

The short answer is to buy the newest one you can afford that's been maintained.

The nav issue is a concern, but failures seem extremely low.
The LX's are nice (I have one) but the grill design sometimes limits front bumper options.
33's fit with no lift on both AHC and non AHC vehicles.
Newer trucks come with ATRAC which is a competent traction control that is the second best thing to lockers.

 

[bucfl]

I second the previous answer. The newest money can buy. Unless you want to add your own aftermarket stereo then get a non nav LC.

 

[Skillet]

Probably been answered a million times but...again, why are you screwed if the nav takes a s***?

 

[jLB]

Would you believe that this has never been asked on this forum before? (No, neither would I.)

I'd agree with the newest within your budget.

Some prefer the 98 & 99 for the locker.

Some prefer the 2000+ for VSC & A-TRAC.

Some prefer the 1998-2002 because you can find them w/o the NAV system.

Some prefer the 2003+ for the 5spd.

Some prefer the 2006+ for the VVTI.

Some avoid the 1998 & 1999 for the 2 pinion from diff.

Some think the 2000 MY has an abnormally high transmission failure rate.

Some think if it has an ARACO sticker it is somehow better.

Some prefer the "sombrero" to the L.

Some like the little extras on the LX.

Some avoid AHC, some enjoy AHC.

These vehicles are 8-17 years old. With the limited number of these vehicles for sale at any given time, and their age, I would argue that the vehicles history (prior to your purchase) and condition should be more important to you than the year it was manufactured, but I do like the 5spd and fall in the 2003+ crowd.

 

[aging fleet]

This one, in my opinion, is about as good as they get.

2007, low-ish mileage, no nav, no DVD, no wood trim, no AHC (I'm not affiliated, just found it the other day)

Check out this 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser on Autotrader

Probably been answered a million times but...again, why are you screwed if the nav takes a s***?

My guess would be that if the nav unit takes a dump you not only lose your nav, but also your radio and hvac controls.

 

[nnnnnate]

This one, in my opinion, is about as good as they get.

2007, low-ish mileage, no nav, no DVD, no wood trim, no AHC (I'm not affiliated, just found it the other day)

Check out this 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser on Autotrader

LOL at the tire shine on the spare. It does look nice though, I paid that much for my '07 LX with 76K miles a few months ago.

 

[aging fleet]

LOL at the tire shine on the spare. It does look nice though, I paid that much for my '07 LX with 76K miles a few months ago.

What, you don't shine up the visible portion of your spare (yea, neither do I)? I'd say it's overpriced too, but it's just a great year/configuration/color combo.

 

[G-Cat]

I wonder if that 07 has a third row. No mention of it or pics. I'd love to have it...most Land Cruiser buyers would see the lack of the technology as a negative...I just like the idea of an 07 with all of the (lack of) tech in my 99.

 

[yeti in ga]

 

[bucfl]

Wow! I love that color combo. No nav and no wood. SOLD! Id be all over that like white on rice.

 

[Junglejack]

Just one thing to add. The 1998-1999 LX470's do have an LSD. While there undoubtedly pros and cons to all years, general consensus points to the 2005 being perhaps the best compromise. The post 2003 5 speed transmission is definitely a plus.

 

[spaber05]

I think that you will find that most of the years will fit what you are looking for. That being said, if you really do plan to lift it at all, I would opt for a non-AHC vehicle as the systems are much easier to replace.

Also, I think you will have to be a little flexible and you should consider prioritizing vehicles that are in good shape (no rust, good service history etc) over finding the PERFECT color/year etc. There are things can can be changed (head-unit, lockers etc) but you cannot reverse the affects of rust without a LOT of work.

As an FJ40 owner, I'm sure you'll be capable of finding something to fit your needs, but best of luck with the search!

 

[sPaulp]

This one, in my opinion, is about as good as they get.

2007, low-ish mileage, no nav, no DVD, no wood trim, no AHC (I'm not affiliated, just found it the other day)

Check out this 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser on Autotrader




My guess would be that if the nav unit takes a dump you not only lose your nav, but also your radio and hvac controls.

Just FYI, the carfax says that is was owned in Puerto Rico up until August 2015. So, there is no carfax history or maintenance history unless the PO included it with the vehicle (which I doubt). Therefore, looks can be deceiving and even though this gem seems like a cherry, what has happened to it over the last 8 years oversees? I would do a thorough check to see if it had been wrecked. Also, I assume over in Puerto Rico there could be more start/stop driving which would be hard on a vehicle at 100k miles. Just things to be weary of, but this gem is definitely intriguing.

 

[Junglejack]

That Puerto Rican 2007 is a bloody unicorn. Thundercloud is just an awesome color. I wonder how hard it would be to get a dash kit for such a late model 100 as the opening looks so different than the pre 2003's.

While certainly safe to assume that highway miles are not a major part of the equation there, rust should not be major worry. That said, salt air can get ya too...

What gives me more pause is the second owner flipping it after 2 months.

 

[cap80]

That Puerto Rican 2007 is a bloody unicorn. Thundercloud is just an awesome color. I wonder how hard it would be to get a dash kit for such a late model 100 as the opening looks so different than the pre 2003's.

My Mexican spec 06 has the same dash except with wood grain. The PO put in a double din Pioneer and said he had to source the upper peice around the head unit from England. I need to pull that part of the dash on Friday. Are there part numbers cast into the pieces? I can post the here if anyone wants to check to see if they are available state side.

 

[Junglejack]

My Mexican spec 06 has the same dash except with wood grain. The PO put in a double din Pioneer and said he had to source the upper peice around the head unit from England. I need to pull that part of the dash on Friday. Are there part numbers cast into the pieces? I can post the here if anyone wants to check to see if they are available state side.

While only applicable to a blessed few, I personally think that would be a killer bit on info to add to the collective knowledge base here. Heck, even for my LX, I had to spend I think $80 for the piece of plastic (dash kit) on Amazon when I got rid of the Nakamichi system.
Glad I did as no installation shop I went to could even find one in their catalogs.

 

[REZARF]

1998-1999

As a 40 owner and daily driver for 15 years, the V8 will amaze you and the 4 speed isn't bad either. I'd get a locker and clean rig that is well maintained. I couldn't care less about high miles if the rig has had the correct maintenance. Mine runs like a top, and gets 14-16mpg all day long on 33's.

Again, I'd fine a clean well maintained 100 first, then decide what miles are worth to you. The Nav units can be tough if they go south, and the 5 speed will give you another 1-2mpg real world, but you will find better deals on the older models.

I love my 40, and my 100. Life is good.

 

[General Automag]

Would you believe that this has never been asked on this forum before? (No, neither would I.)

I'd agree with the newest within your budget.

Some prefer the 98 & 99 for the locker.

Some prefer the 2000+ for VSC & A-TRAC.

Some prefer the 1998-2002 because you can find them w/o the NAV system.

Some prefer the 2003+ for the 5spd.

Some prefer the 2006+ for the VVTI.

Some avoid the 1998 & 1999 for the 2 pinion from diff.

Some think the 2000 MY has an abnormally high transmission failure rate.

Some think if it has an ARACO sticker it is somehow better.

Some prefer the "sombrero" to the L.

Some like the little extras on the LX.

Some avoid AHC, some enjoy AHC.

These vehicles are 8-17 years old. With the limited number of these vehicles for sale at any given time, and their age, I would argue that the vehicles history (prior to your purchase) and condition should be more important to you than the year it was manufactured, but I do like the 5spd and fall in the 2003+ crowd.

 

[General Automag]

Thanks; that's the kind of info I was looking to get.